Warm weather and fog in some places didn’t dampen the hopes of local hunters who attended the Mt. Olivet Masons’ breakfast for hunters Oct. 27. It was firearms hunting opening day for residents, all aiming to get their deer on day one of the season. The Masons’ breakfast, running from 4:30 until 8:30 a.m., offered a hearty breakfast and lots of words of encouragement to early-risers. By the time the sky began to show daylight some hunters had already eaten and headed out. There is a nearly 30 percent increase in any-deer hunting permits this year over last. The final day of the firearms season will be Saturday, Nov. 24, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Poetry performances pleased perfectly

Last Sunday’s poetry reading at Gibbs Library was simply the best. Aided perhaps by the intimacy of the Bryant Room, five poets with distinctly different “voices” charmed, amused, provoked and enlightened their audience with humor, tragedy, fancy and realism. Ellen Richards from Bangor, Ruth Bookey and Ted Bookey of Readfield, Robin Merrill of Madison and George VanDeventer, formerly of Washington, who now resides in Bristol, complemented each other perfectly and their esteem for each others’ work graced the entire afternoon. I’m no expert but this was an interesting, warm and fun-filled event. Many, many thanks to Cynthia White who organized it and Gibbs Library for hosting.

You just gotta vote

Unless you’ve been on Mars, you know that Tuesday, Nov. 6 is Election Day. Many of us are overdosed with ads and mailings and somewhat glad it’ll soon be over. But the bottom line is that each of us needs to exercise our right to vote. It’s important. Washington polls (at Gibbs Library) are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you need to register to vote, you can do that anytime the town office is open, even on Election Day. To register, you have to bring a photo identification and proof that you reside in Washington to the town office during regular hours – including Election Day. (Proof of residence can be a current utility bill, rental receipt, etc.) I don’t mean to offend anyone, but still, I figure if people don’t vote, they have no right to complain about the way things turn out. Think about it. And by the way, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if, even on Mars, they’ve heard about this election.

Souper Supper at Grange

Evening Star Grange will host its traditional Election Day “Souper Supper” from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6. There will be homemade soups, chowders, stews, and a variety of desserts. These folks know how to dish up a delicious meal! The public can stop in before or after voting and get a great supper meal for $8 ($4 for kids). And there’s $1 off if you bring an item for the food pantry. There’s a special atmosphere at “old-fashioned” public meals so try to make it if you can.

Gibbs Library Story Hour

The Children's Story Hour each Tuesday morning offers arts and crafts and a read-aloud story lady to interest and amuse pre-school children. As the weather grows cooler and opportunities to be outside dwindle, this could be a good way to get out and about with the little ones. Parents or the other responsible adults who bring the children are free to read from the numerous magazines or books on hand, peruse the used book sale shelves, use the computer, or simply sit and relax during this hour – 10 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday – with Gibbs volunteer Kate Nichols. All children are welcome and Story Hour is free.